FSV Mainz appoint Sandro Schwarz as new manager

Bundesliga side FSV Mainz have appointed Sandro Schwarz as their new manager after Martin Schmidt departed last season. He has signed a three-year-deal that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2020.

The 38-year-old was previously in-charge of the Mainz U-23 side where his impressive performances led him to a role in the first team.

The appointment comes after Mainz had a horrific season in which they battled relegation throughout, only avoiding the relegation play-off courtesy of a better goal difference than Wolfsburg.

Schwarz was born in Mainz and came through the club’s youth system before making a total of 101 appearances for the first team. He started his managerial career at SV Wehen Wiesbaden in 2009 before going on to manage now defunct FC Eschborn between 2011 and 2013, leading them into the Regionalliga (Germany’s 4th division) while also completing his football coaching qualifications. He then returned to Mainz taking over the Under-19 side before taking over the Under-23 side, leading them in the 3.Liga (Germany’s 3rd division).

Mainz have a reputation of giving young managers a chance with the likes of Jürgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel managing the club before moving on in their respective journey. The appointment of Schwarz follows the same trend.

“It’s no guarantee that the youth manager graduates to become the manager of the first team, but the decision to hire Sandro Schwarz is purely down to his excellent work with the club so far and his superior qualities. He’s exactly the right man for the club and for the team,”

“He’s ready in every respect to make the step up to the Bundesliga and will give our important a much-needed spark.”

Schwarz added:

“I’m looking forward to the task and to working with the team. I want to help develop the players and play winning football that also pleases the fans. That’s what’s most important. It’s an emotional step forward for me personally, to be a Bundesliga manager for my club in my city.”

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